Former South Carolina offensive line coach Eric Wofford knew and respected John Schlarman. (South Carolina Photo)
New Kentucky offensive line coach Eric Wofford certainly has an impressive coaching resume and being from Youngstown, Ohio, certainly knows plenty about UK coach Mark Stoops and his family. However, what no one can know is exactly what it will be like following John Schlarman, the legendary UK offensive line coach who passed away during the season after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.
That’s why my first question to Wofford, who officially got the job Thursday morning, was what would it be like trying to follow Schlarman knowing how beloved he was by players and fans.
“John Schlarman is very well respected in our business,” Wofford said. “I have met coach Schlarman several times on the recruiting trail.”
He also noted how he had watched UK’s line play a lot while scouting opponents for his job at South Carolina offensive line coach and “was always impressed by what John has done” when he watched the UK line.
“Just the person he is. The way he handled himself the last couple of years going through the situation he did,” Wolford said. “I am sure there are other things he could have done differently but he was going to stick by his players. That says a lot about him.”
Wolford said “everyone talks about how wonderful he is” and said his loss was heartbreaking for family, friends and everyone connected with the UK program.
“John Schlarman will continue to have a presence in our meeting room and position group,” Wofford said.
He said Schlarman, his wife and his children will be part of his family and always part of the offensive line group at UK if they choose to do so.
Not sure it’s fair for anyone to have to try and follow Schlarman’s legacy but based on what I saw and heard today it sure seems like Wofford could be a guy equipped on and off the field for this challenge.
